Recent News
Environmental science scholarships awarded by BZSMonday, August 30, 2021
A group of environmental science students have had their hard work rewarded with scholarships from the Bermuda Zoological Society.
BZS Awards Steinhoff Scholarship & Pye Award
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
The Bermuda Zoological Society [BZS] has awarded the BZS Steinhoff Scholarship to Caroline Alexander, Isabella Murdoch, and Treiana Zuill, while Freyja Kermode was the recipient of the Pye award.
Collapse of seagrass beds threatens survival of marine life
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
The Bermuda Turtle Project is anxious to get back out onto the water this month to get a clearer picture of sea turtle abundance. Due to the restrictions brought upon us all by the pandemic, we have been unable to do any in-water research for nearly two years and it would appear, from observations, there have been some drastic changes in our marine environment.
Seagrass beds have ‘completely collapsed’ in last four years
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Many acres of seagrass beds crucial for the survival of sea turtles and other marine life have “completely collapsed” over the last four years, according to a leading environmental group.
BZS’s Kids on the Reef programme: an insider’s look
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
The Bermuda Zoological Society recently completed its ninth year of the Kids on the Reef programme, which is generously sponsored by AXA XL. This year, the BZS sent Megan Dodd, a university student studying strategic communications and marketing, out with a student group so that she could provide a first-hand account of what the students experience and learn over the two-day programme.
About
GovernanceAbout Us
Board of Directors
Contact Us
Newsletter
Latest News
Gift & Bookstore
Contact
General Inquiries
info@bzs.bm
Latest News
All the latest updates and news from the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo, one of Bermuda's leading visitor attractions!
Simon Jones
Published Oct 23, 2015 at 8:00 am (Updated Oct 23, 2015 at 2:49 am)
Trunk Island conservation
Volunteers have given up nearly 2,000 hours of their time to help transform Trunk Island into a living classroom for schoolchildren.
The Bermuda Zoological Society purchased a 2.4-acre lot on the pristine islet in Harrington Sound at the beginning of the year and three months ago embarked on a major conservation project under the watchful eye of David Wingate. The initiative has involved tackling invasives species and ensuring the island’s natural fauna and flora is restored and preserved to help youngsters to better understand Bermuda’s unique ecology.
This week Ian Walker, principal curator of the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo, thanked the two principal sponsors; Butterfield & Vallis and Axis, for their invaluable financial support for the scheme that has already seen schoolchildren take part in four one-day camps and a weeklong residential camp on Trunk Island.
Hard work: the Trunk Island Conservation project
“Knowing that BZS is not only committed to conserving Bermuda’s natural environment, but to also educating future generations on the importance of preserving their home was a major factor when we decided to donate to the campaign,” said Albert Benchimol, CEO of Axis.
“We are pleased that the island will be transformed into a sanctuary for Bermuda’s wildlife, similar to Nonsuch Island, and in doing so create a permanent classroom for Bermuda’s future environmentalists.” Weekend Warrior volunteers have dedicated 520 hours on the island this year, while corporate “giving days” have seen nine companies send 250 employees to Trunk Island and complete 1,335 hours work.
Jim Butterfield, CEO of Butterfield & Vallis added: “Being able to give students the opportunity to physically engage in nature and discover the importance of our fragile environment is imperative to Bermuda’s ecological future.”
The island, in Harrington Sound, is home to the only Palmetto Palm forest in Bermuda outside of Paget Marsh, and its isolation makes it the ideal venue for conservation efforts.
Trunk Island conservation?
BZS plans to use the island to expand its school educational programme and transform the old caretaker’s cottage — one of two properties on Trunk Island — into a classroom.
Dr Wingate said: “The Weekend Warrior programme is vital to ensuring the eradication of invasive species.
“Without the dedication and support of volunteers we would find it very difficult to reach our ultimate goal of returning the island to its native and endemic environment.”
BZS has been able to raise just over $3 million, and 50 per cent of its target, through a series of fundraising efforts.
To find out more about the volunteer programme contact Joanne Chisnall on 293-2727 extension 2130 or e-mail volunteers.bzs@gov.bm